Through the looking glass

Bulgaria's capital Sofia is one of Europe's most architecturally
beautiful cities, where Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine buildings
line wide boulevards that lead to urban parks and pretty
courtyards.

Yet it's a city that has largely been ignored by tourism. Just
15 years ago, the Sheraton, a relic of the communist era, was the
only hotel recommended in guidebooks. Things have moved on since
then, but so far, Sofia has lacked a hotel that stands up to - and
out from - the city's grand masterpieces.

Design Hotels is launching Sense Hotel Sofia
next month, in the historic centre on the same yellow-cobblestone
street as the National Art Museum and next door to the National
Assembly.

The hotel has been cleverly designed to make the most of the
views; panels behind the glass façade pivot to protect privacy
within while giving the illusion of shimmering water from the
outside. Inside, sharp lines and a simple colour palette of greyish
blues and navy blues don't detract from the panorama.

The wedding-cake tiers of copper domes belonging to Saint
Alexander Nevski Cathedral (pictured) can be seen from the rooftop
bar, and the restaurant, which serves Mediterranean food, has a
terrace which is open in the summer months.